BEUKEMA: Snow season already in high gear with lots to do

This year, Nov. 15 didn’t signal just the opening day for firearms deer hunting. That date will go down as one of the earliest on record for northern ski resorts to open.

For much of the angling set, walleye and bass boats have been put away following another season of fishing.

Lower units are drained and greased, batteries stored where they won’t freeze and covers securely attached or shrink wrapped in preparation for the long, cold winter months ahead.

Anglers normally concentrating on whether to troll, throw a jig or work a spinnerbait are deciding where they put the cross country or downhill ski gear last spring or whether they need to buy a new pair of creepers.

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Winter has turned a bit fresh as they say. In not too many more days, many of us will be punching holes on frozen lakes to take advantage of first ice.

Up north around the Boynes, Crystal Mountain and Tree Tops resorts, winter is already in high gear.

Lifts are running, groomers are tending to trails, skis and related equipment are being rented, and action on the slopes is already up over last year.

Nordic with local lodges before heading out. And grab a trail map to help guide you along. However, most trails are well marked with signage spaced to keep you on your intended route.

Justin Andre, director of operations at Hanson Hills near Grayling, says area trails are not lit.

“We don’t offer lighted trails but we do have over 20 miles of groomed cross country skiing in our system,” he said.
Don’t let the lack of lighted trails determine whether you try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Both activities have similarities with running or walking. It doesn’t take a lot of equipment to get you started. Snowshoes are available in a variety of prices and styles.

A pair of good walking shoes or ankle-high boots is all that’s needed for footwear. You don’t need a trail that has been groomed a certain way to snow shoe.

You can walk on packed snow right down your road, or if you prefer, head into the woods or across snow covered fields for your walk.
Cross-country or Nordic skiing also requires very little in the form of equipment. Ski packages at a variety of prices can be purchased rather inexpensively.

Because both activities require body movement, it’s not necessary to have lots of clothes or the latest in fashion to be comfortable.

In fact, less is better. If you are slightly chilly just before heading out, you probably have the right amount of clothing on.

A pair of gloves or mittens, a knit hat or cap for head covering and you’re about all set. Dab on some lip balm or plain old Vaseline to keep lips from drying out and cracking, and then hit the trail.

Both sports can be done right out your front door and in your neighborhood or at any county, state or Metropark in the area. The only requirement is that there is some snow.

Besides not requiring much in the form of equipment, no special training or ability is required, and ski lift tickets aren’t needed.

Both running and walking are considered to be good exercise. Walking, in particular, is less stressful on joints and can be done regardless of age.

Considered aerobic activities, these sports use the large leg muscles for movement. These same muscles help to exercise your heart, which translates into lower blood pressure along with weight loss or weight control.

So if you decide to head out tomorrow to ski or snowshoe and wake up to rain or very warm temperatures affecting snow amounts, go for a walk.

Lace up your walking shoes; probably the same ones you wear for snowshoeing, and go get that walk in.

For more information on northern ski or snowshoe conditions and a variety of activities visit www.mywintertrails.com.

Outdoor notes

Put a little romance back in your life at Tree Tops Resort “Skiable Feast.” The event will be hosted trails side on three different weekends — Jan 18, Feb. 1, and Feb. 25. The ski trails overlook the Pigeon River state forests with its many hills and pined forests.

The skiable feature is much like a glide with five unique trailside buffets. The event begins at the ski shop at 10 a.m. just in time for lunch.
Those cross-country skis will help control appetites for some.

Roger Beukema writes a weekly outdoors column for 21st Century Media. Email him at dutchbeukema@comcast.net and read his blog at theoaklandpress.com.